Spore differentiation in a clinical strain of Trichophyton mentagrophytes.

Spore differentiation and, in particular, arthrosporogenesis in a clinical strain of T. mentagrophytes was investigated using a variety of methods and by altering environmental conditions. Results are discussed with reference to the in vivo situation. Arthrospores were obtained in the presence of increased CO2 tension but not increased N2 tension. High humidity was necessary for arthrospore formation but maturity (i.e. crops of single spores) was associated with conditions of reduced humidity. Desiccation reduced arthrospore viability. Glucose and peptone based media were suitable for arthrospore formation. Arthrospores were produced at 30 degrees C and 37 degrees C, but 30 degrees C is preferred since chlamydospores were prevalent at 37 degrees C. Conditions for production of arthrospore, microconidial and mycelial suspensions are presented.